Central Asia and Southeast Asia

This book explores Central Asia’s relationship with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It examines the “Southeast Asian vector” in the Central Asian countries’ mostly multi-vector foreign policies and the key dynamics that are transforming interregional relations into one of greater engagement. It argues that Central Asian states are interested in develo** stronger ties with Southeast Asian countries, amongst others, as part of their hedging strategy in order to diversify their foreign economic relations and to lessen their overdependence on neighbouring great powers. It also looks at Central Asian views of ASEAN as a successful model of regionalism and as a hedging platform for Central Asian states to collectively manage relations with external powers. 

“Central Asia and Southeast Asia: Exploring the dynamics of greater engagement offers the first comprehensive and systematic account of Central Asia’s growing relationship with Southeast Asia. Based on his first-hand knowledge and experience, Dr. Rangsimaporn presents the nuanced conceptualization of Central Asia’s foreign policy and regionalism through the prism of hedging practice by drawing a parallel between the two regional strategic contexts. The book will be of great value for scholars and practitioners alike.” (Assel Bitabarova, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, KAZGUU University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan)

“This book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding both of relations between Central and Southeast Asia and of the broader study of regionalism. It meticulously traces the evolution of these ties, the factors that drive it, and the implications of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The common challenge of managing Chinese influence emerges as especially significant. Grounded in the unique perspective of a scholar-diplomat who has lived and worked in both regions, and demonstrating a mastery of the relevant IR literature, it will attract a wide readership.” (Dr. Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, United Kingdom)

“This is a timely and well-researched monograph with thought-provoking takeaways on the oft-neglected topic of ASEAN-Central Asia relations. Paradorn Rangsimaporn gives us not only a probing and fascinating account of the dynamic contours and interconnectedness of Asia’s two geostrategic regions in the changing global geopolitics but also a meticulous study of multi-vector foreign policies and hedging strategies of small powers in international politics.” (Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Associate Professor of International Relations and Associate Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand)

“A must-read book for all those studying foreign policy of Central Asia! Not only does the work delve into the underexplored relations of Central Asia and Southeast Asia, but most importantly the author seeks to test the applicability of ASEAN-style model to resolve a variety of empirical puzzles that Central Asia posits.” (Dr. Kemel Toktomushev, Senior Research Fellow and Assistant Professor, University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)

Paradorn Rangsimaporn is a Thai diplomat and independent researcher.